At the start of the final month of the transfer window Aitor Karanka was still searching for missing pieces.

Halfway through August and his jigsaw is coming together nicely.

It’s not unusual for beads of sweat to start appearing on the brows of Boro fans at this time of year, targets still yet to sign, the rumour mill going worryingly quiet.

"Typical Boro" echoes around Teesside’s ale houses.

The daunting prospect of waking on the morning of September or February 1 to a ticking yellow bar containing not even the slightest hint of Boro news.

Equally as concerning: news of signings - but not the ones fans clamoured for.

Plans B, C and D called into action as priority targets opt for moves elsewhere.

Not necessarily so. Not this year anyway.

This year Boro have given themselves a head start.

Aitor Karanka and Kike

That’s not to say Karanka’s work is done and the cheque book tucked back in the draw. Anything but.

But the Boro boss can certainly admire a strengthened squad well in advance of the last minute shopping rush.

They weren’t quite stood outside waiting for the shutters to open but Boro have got in early and avoided the queues.

As August dawned Boro were still chasing targets - all be it confident of unveiling the players they had identified long before last season was out.

A little over two weeks on and Boro’s dressing room has reshuffled, creating space for two new full-backs, an attacking midfielder, Adam Clayton - at long, long last, and tried and tested loan star Patrick Bamford.

Karanka’s fingerprints are beginning to appear all over the squad.

And what is more, it’s clear to see how Boro’s new-boys will fit into the manager’s favoured system.